Can I communicate in English in Korea?

Signs in English are common in public places, and tourist information centers and the 1330 helpline help in English. Conversation outside tourist areas can be limited, so keep a translation app and key phrases ready.

• ✓Most public places, including subway stations and bus stops, have English signs.
• ✓Major attractions and facilities have signs in English, Japanese and Chinese.
• ✓Tourist information centers give information in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese.
• ✓The 1330 Travel Helpline answers 24 hours in English, Japanese and Chinese, among other languages.

• •Expecting English menus in every small local restaurant

• •A translation app such as Papago
• •The phrasebook tool on this site
• •Showing addresses in Korean on your phone

• 🛡️Can I get help in English in an emergency?Yes. 112 (police) and 119 (fire and ambulance) have interpretation support, and the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline answers 24 hours in English, Japanese and Chinese.✓YES, WITH CONDITIONSSafetyView answer →
• 🧭Can I use Google Maps in Korea?You can look at the map and search places, but Google Maps’ turn-by-turn navigation is limited in Korea because of the country’s map-data rules. Keep Naver Map or KakaoMap installed for directions.◐PARTLYEveryday LifeView answer →
• 🍜Can I eat alone in Korea?Yes. Eating alone (honbap) is part of Korean dining culture, and many places have bar or counter seats. Some set menus are designed for two or more people, so ask whether a single portion is possible.✓YES, WITH CONDITIONSFood & DiningView answer →

• VisitKorea: Tourist-Friendly Korea
• VisitKorea: Tourist Information Centers
• VisitKorea: 1330 Travel Helpline